Tuck In: The Best Restaurants in Paddington

Best known for its incredible line-up of trendy boutiques, designer stores and fine art galleries, Paddington scores top points for a weekend pit stop. You could easily spend a whole day meandering along Five Ways, Oxford Street and William Street – but extend your day trip into the night and you’ll discover a whole host of tantalising restaurants serving delicious plates from all over the world. Here's our pick of the best for an instant food fix.

In its first year of opening, the highly anticipated seafood eatery, Saint Peter, scored two Chefs Hats as well as the New Restaurant of the Year award. The restaurant is a sustainable seafood star, with a menu that’s inventive and changes as the catch does. For a different take on brunch, this is the place to be when the weekend rolls around.

A bar, restaurant and pub with a minimal yet striking interior. Nodding to Paddington’s past, the space was designed to look like a classic butchery, complete with white glazed ceramic tiles, timber panelling and dark timber furniture, whilst upstairs the pub-slash-restaurant, takes on a different vibe with booth seating, mirrored tables, and a leather-fronted cocktail bar.

Scoring a Chef’s Hat for its innovative French fare, Fred's kitchen is led by farm-to-table legend Danielle Alvarez, who sources her ingredients from local farmers. Here, almost everything is cooked with fire (courtesy of a custom-made hearth) for the utmost flavour.

Feeling right at home in Paddington, The Stables Restaurant and Bar evokes the vibe of its surroundings through its chic marble, polished concrete and brass interiors. The modern Australian menu is perfect for sharing, featuring a variety of free-range meat and specialty seafood, alongside moreish sides. For wine lovers, the menu boasts some of Australia’s finest drops.

1 Victoria Street, Paddington

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Located in a leafy Paddington side street, Lucio's Italian restaurant has been a staple on Sydney’s Italian dining scene since the '80s. Specialising in Northern Italian cuisine using traditional techniques with modern touches, it’s no wonder the locals keep coming back for more. While you’re waiting on your food, feast on the art collection – it’s seriously impressive.

Tucked away in a Paddington terrace, this chic wine bar-slash-restaurant is perfect for date nights and catch-ups with friends. Run by the Fratelli Paradiso brothers, it gives its chefs room to experiment. The result is an ever-evolving menu that’s Italian, with an Australian and/or Asian twist.

If restaurants could be heritage-listed, we’re certain Buon Ricordo would be first on the list. Buon Ricordo has been a staple on the Sydney Italian dining scene since the 80s. Naples native and head chef, Armando Percuoco has been cooking since the age of 14, and it shows. The Italian artwork and decor will make your night out all the more authentic.

Situated inside a Victorian Terrace along fashionable Five Ways in Paddington, Vino E Cucina is an Italian restaurant that pairs its beautiful setting with delicious food. The walls feature work from local artists and there is lush greenery throughout, from the courtyard terrace to streetside seating.